2008 Q2 Contest

Reception

Judges Comments

A wonderfully quirky yet storytelling reception scene was captured unobtrusively by the photographer. The girl isolated on the swing is a marvelous bookend to the isolated man at the table. Even the two adults conversing in the background seem isolated from each other as does the man standing near them with a drink. Also the out-of-focus leaves at the top of the frame add depth to the sophisticated frame.
I like the elements of space and the old-time feel of this photograph. It's a subtle moment where all the expressions draw you into the photograph.
This is another great piece of â€œseeingâ€ a situation.

Judges Comments

I like the energy in this photo. Looks like some party! The faces of the women are great and I think the movement in the ambient exposure also adds to the topsy-turvy feeling.
Good use of flash to balance the ambient light and capture the decisive moment of the glass in the air, as well as nice expressions.

Judges Comments

The juxtaposition of the light and shadow of all these hands and the timing of the photograph so gracefully framing the bride or bridesmaid (it's not clear) sets this image apart from the rest. Great composition makes this a work of art. Well done!!

Judges Comments

Judges Comments

I was surprised at how many pictures there were of people being drunk and crazy at wedding receptions, so the tender pictures like this one really drew me in. Plus the light is so sweet. Under the circumstances, I know the photographers are struggling with on-camera strobes and lights they set up in very difficult situations. So this very simple rim light that catches the bride's eyes and rims her husband looking down at her stood out from the rest

Judges Comments

The strong joyous expressions and body language captured during a dance pushed this image to first (for me). Also, the photographer balanced foreground and background light so well that the audience is readable. The shallow depth of field prevents the background from being distracting. Many indoor reception photos in this category over-flashed the foreground while underexposing the background.

Judges Comments

Judges Comments

Great energy in this photograph of this child dancing where we can still see a layering of faces below. Expression and the composition are very strong.
This is a very fun and well-caught moment in the genre of men and boys gone wild dancing. Like sports, timing is very important and the photographer was well placed and hit the shutter release at the right moment.

Judges Comments

I just loved the body language and the moment in this picture. Weddings are a time for friends and family to gather and tell stories and reminisce. It is a very simple photo but one I find engaging. A nice piece of looking and hunting for moments. It's a small but important element in documenting the day.

Judges Comments

Working in difficult lighting conditions, the photographer did a fine job making this an image. It's nice that the bride is softly lit while the strobe stops the action of the bouquet grab. And the shadow adds a nice unexpected dramatic element.

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